Top 10 winter skin care do’s and dont’s

Cardigans, hot chocolate, bonfires, and that rosy glow – we all do love winters! Unfortunately though, the cold clear days many-a-times bring in dry and itchiness. Here are 10 ways to beat the flake this Winter!

1. Moisturize:

If there is a golden rule to winter beauty, then it would be to moisturize. Pat on some lotion on the face and neck region. Don’t forget the dryer areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees – they have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing lotion at night. Wear socks to seal in the moisture until morning.

2. Go easy on the caffeine:

Even though the weather is conducive to lazing in bed and drinking a cozy cup of coffee – refrain! Consuming too many caffeinated beverages, be it coffee, tea or soda, can be dehydrating to your skin. Caffeine acts like a diuretic and prevents the skin from retaining moisture, thus drying it out considerably. If caffeine is a must, try cutting back on the amount you drink or choose decaffeinated drinks instead.Do make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to counteract the effect.

3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate:

Because your skin tends to be drier and flakier in winter, it’s important that you exfoliate to get rid of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating will also help your thirsty skin absorb more hydration from your moisturizer. Try to exfoliate at least a few times a week.

4. Lip service:

Lips chap the fastest! Use a lip balm or even ghee for your lips. Avoid matte lipsticks, use a lip gloss instead. Before you go outside, apply some petroleum jelly to your lips as this creates a protective layer between the cold air and your lips, locking in moisture.

5. Hydrate from the inside:

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, apples, oranges, kiwi, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots are rich in water and essential minerals. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also eat enough Omega-3 through fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

Homemade hydrating masks can provide needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, dahi (yogurt), olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes.

7. Sleep:

Unfortunately, most people do not value the benefits that a good nights sleep can give you. You need to rest for at least 7 – 8 hours everyday. This will create the right balance in your body ridding your system of toxins to give you healthy skin.

8. Don’t put off your workout:

The cold climate makes us feel sedentary and tempts us to skip our regular exercise regimes. Be it Pilates, Zumba, Gym or Yoga – work up that sweat! Physical activity reduces that winter weight and will give your skin a glowing blushing tinge.

9. Besan baths:

Our grandmothers knew what they were prescribing. Besan or gram flour is great for making the skin soft, radiant and supple. This winter make sure you lather your whole body with Besan.

Take care of those tresses! Before hopping in the shower, massage the scalp with olive or coconut oil. These oils replenish natural scalp oils and can moisturize dry hair too. Tea tree oil is also a popular treatment for fungal and bacterial infections like dandruff.